Machine for opening split connector rings



March 24, 1959 J. l. TORSTENSON MACHINE FOR OPENING SPLIT CONNECTOR RINGS Filed Aug. 10, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOB ATTORNEYS March 24, 1959 J. l. TORSTENSON MACHINE FOR OPENING SPLIT CONNECTOR RINGS Filed Aug. 10, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 176/111 I, Tovsi'enson INVENTOR ATTORNEYS United States Patent MACHINE FOR OPENING SPLIT CONNECTOR RINGS John I. Torstenson, Batavia, N .Y.

Application August 10, 1956, Serial No. 603,341

9 Claims. (Cl. 29-235) By way of explanation, it might be stated that in assembling fishing tackle wherein split rings are applied as connectors, it is a diificult and tedious operation to open such split rings, for threading through the eyes of fishing tackle, owing to the fact that such split rings are exceptionally small and difiicult to handle.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a machine for opening split connector rings, the machine having a drive shaft and an interchangeable driver head for supporting the split rings, during the opening operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a spring pressed blade with means for setting the blade to cause the blade to pass within the split portion of the ring, spreading the ring, permitting the application of the ring to the fishing tackle, with facility.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a drive shaft with yieldable means for returning the drive shaft to its initial predetermined position, to the end that the drive shaft is set after the completion of each operation, for the opening of the succeeding connector r1ng.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter described and the novel features thereof defined in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a machine constructed in accordance with the invention, portions thereof having been broken away illustrating the interior construction of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a plan View thereof.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the driver head.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a driver head illustrating a connector ring as mounted thereon and partially open.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the driver head with the opening blade as inserted between the split portions of the connector ring, showing the connector ring in a semiopen position.

Fig. 7 is an elevational view of the blade used in opening the connector ring.

Fig. 8 is an elevational view illustrating the position of the blade during the opening operation.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9 9 of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the machine comprises a base 5 to which the frame 6 of the machine is secured.

The frame 6 is provided with hearings in which the drive shaft 7 operates, the drive shaft 7 being horizontally disposed, as clearly shown by Fig. 1 of the drawings. The shaft 7 is of a length to extend through the frame with its rear end supplied with a crank handle 8 for effecting rotation of the drive shaft 7.

The other end of the shaft 7 is provided with means for securing interchangeable driver heads such as indicated by the reference character 9, the driver heads being 2,878,557 Patented Mar. 24,1959

interchangeable for supporting split rings sizes. I

As better shown by Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings, these driver heads are formed with openings to accommodate the reduced end of the drive shaft 7, the driver heads being'secured to the shaft to rotate therewith, by means of the screw 10 that extends through an opening in the driver head with its inner end frictionally engaging the reduced end of the shaft 7. In order to replace a driver head, it is only necessary to remove the screw 10 and position the desired driver head, and replace the screw which binds the driver head to the shaft.

As better shown by Fig. 4 of the drawings, each driver head is provided with a reduced end 11 of a diameter to accommodate a split ring to be used thereon, the driver head presenting a shoulder 12 on which the split ring to be opened, is positioned with an end formed by splitting the ring, in contact with the laterally extended lug 13 that is formed on the shoulder 12. Thus it will-be seen that due to this construction, the ring positioned on the shoulder 12 will rotate with the driver head, in opening the ring.

Secured to 'the base 5, is an upstanding cylinder 14 in which the coiled spring 15 is mounted, the lower end of the spring 15 resting on the base 5, while the upper end thereof contacts the lower end of the plunger rod 16 cushioning the movements of said rod.

The rod 16 extends a substantial distance above the upper end of the cylinder 14, where it contacts the collar 17 that is secured to the drive shaft 7. This collar 17 is formed with a flat side 18 which normally contacts the upper end of the rod 16, to restrict rotation of the shaft 7 and hold the shaft 7 normally in a set position while the rings are being positioned.

A stop collar 18 is also secured on said shaft 7 and has of various connection with oneend of the coiled spring 19 that is wound around a portion of the shaft 7, the other end of said coiled spring being secured to the inner surface of the frame 6. Thus it will be seen that due to this construction, the coiled spring will be placed under tension as the crank handle 8 is operated to rotate the shaft 7 in rotating the driver head and ring mounted thereon, to the end that when the opening operation has been completed and the crank handle 8 released, the coiled spring will act to rotate the drive shaft 7 in a reverse direction, returning the drive shaft to its normal inactive position with the flat side of the collar resting on the upper end of the rod 16. Owing to the fact that the collar 17 is secured on the shaft 7 in such a way that when the flat side of the collar rests on the upper end of the rod 16, the driver head 9 will be in the proper position for re ceiving the connector ring to be opened by the machine.

With this structure, it will be obvious that after the completion of each opening operation, the driver head will be returned to a position where the next connector ring to be opened may be accurately positioned on the driver head.

Spaced bearings 20 extend upwardly from the upper portion of the frame 6, and provide a support for the blade supporting arm 21 which is shown as pivotally mounted on the bearing pin 22.

The blade supporting arm 21 also extends through an opening formed in the guide member 23 that rises from the upper surface of the frame 6, the blade carrying end of the arm 21 extending through the guide member 23, as better shownby Fig. l of the drawings.

A threaded opening is formed in the extended end of the blade supporting arm 21, and this threaded opening accommodates the adjusting screw 24 which is of a length to extend a substantial distance below the lower end of the arm 21, where it contacts the laterally extended lug formed integral with the frame. By adjusting this screw 24, it will be obvious that the vertical movement of the blade supporting arm 21 may be regulated.

The opening blade which is moved between the split sections of the split ringto be opened, is indicated by the reference character 26, and as shown, this opening blade is pivotally mounted at the extreme end of the blade supporting arm 21 that extends beyond the guide member 23, by means of the pivot pin 27. The blade 26 is also provided with an elongated opening 28 through which the screw 29 operates, the screw being extended into the end of the arm 21 in such a way that pivotal movement of the blade 26 will be permitted. In Fig. 7 of the drawings, the initial positioning of the blade 26 is shown as moving between the split ends of the ring, and in Fig. 8

' of the drawings, the blade is shown in full lines as slightly inclined towards the direction of rotation of the driver head 9, so that the least possible resistance will be offered by the blade as the ring is moved thereover.

As clearly shown by Fig. 1 of the drawings, the blade supporting arm 21 is formed with a vertical opening 30 spaced adjacent to the handle 31, the opening 30 accommodating the latch arm 32 formed with a latch member 33. This latch member is designed to fit over the upper edge of the arm 21 adjacent to the upper end of the opening 30 holding the arm 21 in an inclined position with the blade 26 elevated out of contact with the driver head 9.

A coiled spring 34 has one of its ends connected with the car 35 that extends from one edge of the latch arm 32, while the other end of said spring 34 is secured to the bearing 20. This spring 34 normally biases the latch arm 32 in locking position which may be released as when the arm 32 is moved rearwardly and it is desired to move the arm 21 to bring the blade 26 into action.

Mounted within the frame 6, are vertical coiled springs 36 that have their upper ends connected to the pin 37 that extends through the arm 21 at a point in advance of the pivot or bearing pin 22, so that the normal tendency of the coiled springs 36 is to bias the forward end of the arm 21 downwardly. Thus it will be seen that due to this construction, the arm 21 will be moved to cause the split ring opening blade to engage its work and at the same time hold the ring in position on the driver head.

The reference character 37' indicates a pedestal which is bolted to the base 5, by means of bolts 38, and provides a horizontal bearing for the supporting shaft 39 which is of a length greater than the width of the pedestal, so that it may slide longitudinally of the pedestal, for purposes to be hereinafter more fully described.

One end of the shaft 39 is formed with a knurled head 40 by means of which the shaft may be rotated or slid longitudinally of its hearing, as desired.

At one end of the shaft 39 is a sleeve 41 in which the vertical shaft 42 of the table 43 operates, the sleeve 41 being split, the split portions being clamped against the shaft 42 by means of the screw 44.

Secured on said shaft 42 adjacent to the upper end thereof, is a disc 45 to which the upstanding spring fingers 46 are secured, the spring fingers 46 being designed to engage the annular flange 47 formed at the lower end of the table base 48. Secured to the table base 48 is an arm 49 for effecting rotation of said table 43 to move the table to various angular positions with respect to the work.

Thus it will be seen that due to this construction the table may be moved out of the way so that the rings may be positioned on the driver head without the interference which would ordinarily be caused by the table 43, the table also being readily accessible for removal of rings and spoons therefroinduring use of the machine.

It will also be noted that this table is designed to rotate and hold a number of nested rings for production type, of work.

In the use of themachine for opening split rings, the ring to be split is positioned over the reduced end of the driver head, whereupon the main supporting arm 21 is moved to a position as shown by Fig. l of the drawings, with the pointed end of the blade inserted between the split portions of the ring. The crank handle 8 is now slowly rotated causing rotation of the drive shaft 7, whereupon the split ring is spread open by the blade 26 as shown by Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings.

It is obvious that with the ring opened as shown by Fig. 6, the fishing tackle to be supplied with a ring, may be held on the driving head as shown by Fig. 6 of the drawings, and the eye of the fishing tackle positioned over one of the ends of the split ring as indicated by Fig. 6.

With this device the substantially small split ring usually employed in connecting fishing tackle to a leader or line, may be easily opened and properly threaded for use without the danger of the small ring falling from the hands of the operator in an attempt to open the split ring. Having thus described the invention, what is claimed 1. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a drive shaft mounted On the frame, a driver head mounted on one end of said drive shaft on which a split connector ring is held, means holding the ring against rotation on said head, a blade supporting arm mounted on said frame, a vertical spreading blade mounted on said arm above said driver head and the connecting ring being opened, yieldable mechanism for moving said blade within the split portion of the connector ring mounted on said driver head, spreading said ring open, and a crank handle on one end of said drive shaft for effecting rotation of said drive shaft and driver head for rotating the connector ring in contact with said blade, opening said connector ring for connection to fishing tackle.

2. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a drive shaft mounted on the frame, a driver head mounted on one end of said drive shaft on which a split connector ring is held, means holding said ring against rotation on said head, a pivoted blade supporting arm mounted on said frame, a spreader blade mounted on one end of said arm, yieldable mechanism for normally biasing said blade towards the split connector ring being opened by said blade, means for regulating the pivotal movement of said arm adjusting the operation of said blade, and means for effecting operation of said drive shaft.

3. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on said frame, a crank handle connected with one end of said shaft for effecting rotation of said shaft in one direction, yieldable mechanism for returning said drive shaft to its normal inactive position, a collar having a fiat surface, a spring biased rod engag able with said collar and contacting said flat side of said collar restricting rotation of said shaft, means for holding a split ring on one end of said shaft, means holding said ring against rotation on said shaft, a blade disposed at one end of said shaft adapted to contact said ring opening said ring as said shaft rotates said ring under the blade, and-yieldable mechanism for normally biasing said blade towards the ring being opened.

4. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on Said frame, a crank handle mounted at one end of said drive shaft for effecting rotation of said shaft in one direction, a yieldable mechanism for resetting said shaft for the next operation, means for supporting the split ring on said drive shaft to rotate therewith, and a Stationary blade mounted on said frame adapted to contact the split ring opening said split ring as the split ring rotates in contact with said blade.

5. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on the fame, a driver head having a reduced end, mounted on one end of said shaft, said reduced end providing a support for a split connector ring to be opened, means to hold the ring against rotation on said reduced end, a vertically adjustable blade mounted on said frame above said driver head adapted to move into the split portion of the connector ring held on the reduced end of the driver head, mechanism for biasing said blade towards said ring, and a handle on one end of said drive shaft for effecting rotation of said drive shaft and connector ring With respect to said blade.

6. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on the frame, a driver head having a reduced end, mounted on one end of said shaft, said reduced end providing a support for split rings positioned on the machine, a lug projecting laterally from said driver head adjacent to the pheriphery thereof, providing a stop against which one end of a split connector ring engages rotating said ring with the shaft, a blade mounted on said frame above said driver head adapted to move into the split portion of said split ring, opening said ring as said driver head and ring rotate thereunder, a crank handle on one end of the shaft for efiecting rotation of said shaft in one direction, and mechanism for returning and temporarily holding said shaft and driver head in their normal non-operating positions, during positioning of rings on said driver head.

7. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on the frame, a driver head having a reduced end, mounted on one end of said shaft, said reduced end providing a support for a split connector ring to be opened, mechanism for preventing rotation of said ring on said head with respect to said head, a vertically adjustable blade mounted on the frame above said driver head adapted to move into the split portion of a ring mounted on the driver head, opening said split ring as said driver head and shaft rotate, means for effecting rotation of said driver head in one direction, and yieldable means for returning said shaft and driver head to their normal positions upon completion of the opening operation.

8. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on the frame, a driver head mounted on one end of said shaft providing a support for the split connector ring to be opened, means holding the ring against rotation on said head, a horizontal arm pivotally mounted on said frame above said drive shaft, a vertical blade mounted for swinging movement on one end of said horizontal arm adapted to move into the split portion of the connector ring held on said driver head, opening said ring as said driver head and ring rotate thereunder, manually controlled means for efiecting rotation of said shaft in one direction, and means for returning said shaft to its normal initial position.

9. A machine for opening split connector rings in fishing tackle assembly, comprising a frame, a horizontal drive shaft mounted on the frame, means on one end of said shaft for holding a connector ring to the shaft, means holding said ring against rotation on said shaft, a horizontal arm mounted on the frame for vertical pivotal movement, a vertical pivoted blade mounted at one end of said arm adapted to engage Within the split portion of a ring mounted on said shaft opening said ring as the shaft rotates thereunder, means for regulating the vertical pivotal movement of said arm, and a crank on one end of said shaft for efiecting rotation of said shaft.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 483,321 Fulghrem et al. Sept. 27, 1892 1,355,587 Baldwin Oct. 12, 1920 1,844,309 Batz Feb. 9, 1932 2,161,084 Peterson et al. June 6, 1939 2,329,275 Lenehan Sept. 14, 1943 

